By Shakeel Ur Rehman
Pakistan Under-19 opener Usman Khan continued his impressive run of form with a magnificent unbeaten double century in the President’s Trophy Grade-II Gold tournament, helping Eshaal Associates defeat Haider Cricket Club by an innings and 11 runs at the SBP Ground in Karachi.
Representing Eshaal Associates, the talented left-handed batter produced a breathtaking 202 not out off 212 balls, smashing nine fours and 15 sixes in a dominant display of power hitting.
Usman’s outstanding innings powered Eshaal Associates to 397 for 8 declared in their first innings. Zain bin Farooq also made a valuable contribution with an impressive 86.
Haider Cricket Club were earlier bowled out for just 158 in their first innings, with Muhammad Ansarullah top-scoring with 58. Eshaal Associates consequently secured a commanding 239-run first-innings lead.
Facing a huge deficit, Haider Cricket Club were unable to withstand the Eshaal Associates bowling attack in their second innings and were dismissed for 228. Shahbaz Tabriz led the resistance with 67, while Muhammad Ansarullah followed up his first-innings effort with a fighting 62.
For Eshaal Associates, Muhammad Umair claimed four wickets, while Zahid Bashir took three wickets to complete a convincing team performance and secure an emphatic innings victory.
The double century further underlines Usman Khan’s growing reputation as one of Pakistan’s promising young batters. He recently finished as Pakistan Under-19’s leading run-scorer in their four-match series against England Under-19, accumulating 240 runs, including a career-best 152.
His latest innings is another significant milestone in his development as he makes the transition from Under-19 cricket to senior-level competition, combining solid stroke play with an increasingly aggressive approach.
